A DRIVER who lied to cover up the fact he had been distracted by his mobile phone was jailed for four years for killing a teacher.

Jeep driver Michael Nicholas, 54, mowed down Yvonne Edens, also 54, while she was walking to a postbox on the Ridgeway, in Enfield, on January 8, 2008.

Nicholas, who was sentenced on Monday, June 29 at Wood Green Crown Court, claimed he had blacked out during the crash, but phone records showed he had used his mobile minutes before his Cherokee jeep veered on to the opposite carriageway, mounted the pavement and struck Mrs Edens.

The mother-of-two was taken to hospital by air ambulance but died later the same day.

Mrs Edens was a part-time teacher at Enfield College in Hertford Road, and leaves a husband and two children aged 21 and 14.

The judge said Mrs Edens’ death was due entirely to Nicholas being distracted by his phone.

He was also given a five-year driving ban.

Detective Sergeant Sarah-Louise Marfell, of Enfield police, said: “I hope the conclusion of this case will offer some closure for her family and make people aware of the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone without hands-free equipment.”